Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen on Tuesday, July 9, revealed his most expensive items following questions raised by Kenyans over his source of wealth.
Speaking during an interview on Obinna Show, the CS acknowledged his love for watches noting that the highest amount he had ever spent to purchase one was Ksh900,000.
He detailed that one of the watches, reported to cost Ksh4 million, was bought at a huge discount from a friend.
On the other hand, he noted that his most expensive shoe was around Ksh70,000 to Ksh80,000.
Regarding his most expensive tie, he revealed that he has a neckpiece in his wardrobe which he bought at Ksh20,000.
"The most expensive shoe may be around Ksh70,000 to Ksh80,000. The belt is probably Ksh50,000. I don't have to wear 2 belts in two years. One belt is enough. You can just buy one belt which can be flipped."
"One side is black and the other side is brown. The most expensive watch I have bought with my money is Ksh900,000. If you buy a watch for Ksh900,000 you wear it for 20 years," he stated.
The CS detailed that he had a weakness for nice pairs of shoes and watches citing his family background.
Murkomen also clarified that he bought the items with his own hard-earned money. He maintained that he had not been a beneficiary of the process of corruption.
The CS detailed that most of his wealth was acquired from his salary as a senator and CS, his law practice, avocado farming and export business.
Therefore, he stated that he was ready to be audited and prepared to show how he acquired his wealth.
Murkomen also detailed that he would stop wearing expensive items owing to the public debate on social media.
"My sons can wear it (Ksh90,000 watch) or I can donate it to someone else. I am ready to be audited. In any case, we make our financial declarations every year.
"Where I live in Nairobi is many times more than my watch. It took me 10 years to buy and build. When I went to Parliament, I declared that I was worth Ksh550 million. It will be easy to audit me," he added.
Murkomen made the remarks following an uproar from Kenyans over opulence among President Wiliam Ruto's close friends and associates.
Ruto, while addressing Kenyans on separate engagements in the media and X (formerly Twitter), acknowledges that the opulence was also a major issue, adding that he was going to talk to his allies to tone it down.
Meanwhile, he barred government officials from participating in harambees.
